When Can You Seal After Grouting Tile?

Cementious Grout

• Curing time may vary depending on the manufacturer's recommendations of the grout itself. Laticrete recommends a drying time of 48 hours before applying sealer to their cementious grout, while Custom Building Products suggests a 24 hour waiting time for theirs. Check label of the grout manufacturer of your choice before applying the sealer.

Spray-on Grout Sealer

• One Step, spray-on sealers such as Tile Guard One Step Grout Sealer states that it can be applied after the grout has been allowed to cure overnight. This type of sealer is easy to apply and can be sprayed on the grout lines without worrying about whether it gets on the tile. As with most sealers, the tile needs to be wiped off immediately if any sealer has been accidentally applied to it; Tile Guard states that this is not a concern with its One Step sealer.

Penetrating Grout Sealer

• Penetrating grout sealers are a liquid form of sealer that sinks deep into the grout and forms itself to the pits and valleys in the surface of the grout. Application of this type of sealer should be done using a small sponge while taking care not to apply any sealer to the tiles itself. If sealer does get on the tile, wipe it off immediately with a soft cloth. When to apply this type of sealer depends greatly on the recommendations of its manufacturer. DuPont's Grout Sealer recommends that the grout be allowed to cure for 72 hours before it is applied, while Tile Guard recommends only 48 hours.

Silicone Sealer

• Silicone sealers form a thick barrier on the top of the surface of the grout and are useful for areas such as bird baths and bathroom showers, or places where extreme moisture is expected. Heavy moisture can otherwise deteriorate tile grout without extra protection. Silicone sealers require that the grout be completely cured for at least two weeks before being applied. Silicone sealer should only be used on glazed ceramic tile; it is not to be used on natural stone, unglazed tile or other porous surfaces.